“Objects in pictures should so be arranged as by their very position to tell their own story.”
- August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
- German
- Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
- His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.
Quote
“Objects in pictures should so be arranged as by their very position to tell their own story.”
Explanation
Goethe emphasizes the idea that in art, particularly in visual art, the arrangement of objects within a composition should not just be a random or decorative choice but should serve a purpose—to communicate a narrative or deeper meaning. Each element within the artwork, through its position and relationship to other elements, should work together to tell a story without needing external explanation. This approach encourages clarity, intentionality, and harmony in the arrangement, allowing the viewer to intuitively grasp the message or emotion being conveyed simply through the scene itself.
Historically, this idea ties into the principles of composition and the belief in symbolism in art that was prominent during the Renaissance and Romantic periods. For artists like Goethe, the visual arrangement was not just about aesthetics but about expressing deeper truths and emotions. A well-composed scene should guide the viewer’s eye and evoke an emotional response, with each object placed thoughtfully to contribute to the overall narrative or theme of the work.
In modern contexts, this concept is still relevant in artistic composition in various media. In photography, filmmaking, or graphic design, the arrangement of objects and elements in the frame often tells a story. For instance, the positioning of characters in a scene, the use of light and shadow, or the way objects are placed can convey emotions, themes, and even character dynamics without a word being spoken. Good visual composition makes the story clear, even to those who may not be able to articulate why it resonates with them.
Goethe’s words remind us that in art, every element has the power to communicate and that a truly effective work of art arranges its elements in such a way that the viewer can understand the story or meaning through the visual alone, making the composition itself a narrative tool.
